What happens if someone gifts you a game you already have on Steam?
If someone gifts you a game you already have on Steam, you will receive a notification stating that you already own the game, and you will not be able to add it to your library again. In cases where the gifted game is a different version, such as a Game of the Year (GOTY) edition, you will receive all the additional content that you don’t already own, while the base game will be recognized as already owned.
Understanding Game Gifting on Steam
Steam’s gifting system allows users to purchase games as gifts for their friends, which can then be sent directly to the recipient’s Steam Inventory. If the recipient already owns the base game, they will receive any additional content included in the gifted version, such as DLCs (Downloadable Content) or bonus in-game items.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Return a Gifted Game on Steam?
No, once a game has been gifted and accepted, it cannot be returned or refunded, unless it’s within Steam’s refund policy timeframe and meets the required conditions.
2. How Long Does a Gifted Game Remain in Pending Gifts?
A gifted game will remain in Pending Gifts until it is accepted by the recipient or returned to the sender’s account, which can be done if the gift has not been redeemed within 30 days.
3. Can I Exchange a Gifted Game for Another Game?
No, gifted games cannot be exchanged for other games on Steam, but you can return a game to the sender if it hasn’t been accepted, and then they can gift you a different game or refund the purchase.
4. Do I Get Steam Points for Gifted Games?
Yes, the person gifting the game earns Steam Points for the purchase, and these points can be used in the Steam Points Shop to customize their Steam profile or acquire in-game items.
5. How Do I Gift a Game to Someone Who Already Owns It?
If you attempt to gift a game to someone who already owns it, Steam will notify you that the recipient already owns the game, preventing the gift from being sent.
6. Can I Sell Games I Already Own on Steam?
No, games purchased on Steam are for personal use and cannot be resold, as they are licensed to the user’s account and cannot be transferred.
7. Do I Own the Games I Purchase on Steam?
Technically, no, when you purchase a game on Steam, you’re buying a license to use the software, not the software itself, which remains the property of the game developer or publisher.
8. Can I Reset or Hide Gameplay Time on Steam?
No, Steam does not provide an official way to reset or hide gameplay time, as this information is used to help users track their gaming activities and recommend games.
9. How Many Steam Points Do I Get for $1?
For every $1.00 spent on Steam, you receive 100 Steam Points, which can be redeemed for various items in the Steam Points Shop.
10. Can I Convert Steam Points to Real Money?
No, Steam Points cannot be converted into real money but can be used to acquire items from the Steam Points Shop or to participate in community activities.
11. What Happens to Unredeemed Steam Gifts?
Unredeemed gifts are stored in the Pending Gifts section until they are accepted by the recipient or returned to the sender’s account after 30 days.
12. Is Gift Giving Considered Harassment?
Generally, no, gift-giving is not considered harassment unless the gifts are unwanted, inappropriate, or create a hostile environment, especially in professional settings.
13. Can I Sue Someone for Returning a Gift?
It’s highly unlikely to successfully sue someone for returning a gift, as gifts are considered finalized transactions, and returning a gift would typically be seen as a personal decision rather than a legal dispute.
14. Is It Petty to Ask for Gifts Back?
Yes, asking for gifts back can be seen as petty or inappropriate, as gifts are typically considered a one-way transaction and asking for them back can undermine the goodwill and sentiment behind the gift.
15. Can I Reclaim a Gift on Steam If It Hasn’t Been Redeemed?
Yes, if a gift hasn’t been redeemed within 30 days, you can reclaim it by going to the Pending Gifts section, selecting the gift, and choosing to return it to your account, allowing you to resend the gift or keep it for yourself.